Wednesday 22 February 2017

Prepectoral Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction: Rationale, Indications, and Preliminary Results

Prepectoral Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction: Rationale, Indications, and Preliminary Results
Sigalove, S et al
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery:February 2017 - Volume 139 - Issue 2 - p 287–294

Summary: Implant-based breast reconstruction is currently performed with placement of the implant in a subpectoral pocket beneath the pectoralis major muscle, by means of the dual-plane approach. Although the safety and breast aesthetics of this approach are well recognized, it is not without concerns. Animation deformities and accompanying patient discomfort, which are direct consequences of muscle elevation, can be severe in some patients. Moving the implant prepectorally may eliminate these concerns. For a successful prepectoral approach, the authors advocate use of their bioengineered breast concept, which was detailed in a previous publication. In this report, the authors discuss the rationale for prepectoral implant reconstruction, its indications/contraindications, and preliminary results from over 350 reconstructions. 

Outcome Evaluation after 2023 Nipple-Sparing Mastectomies: Our Experience

Outcome Evaluation after 2023 Nipple-Sparing Mastectomies: Our Experience
De Vita, R et al
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery:February 2017 - Volume 139 - Issue 2 - p 335e–347e


Background: Although quadrantectomy and lumpectomy help diminish the psychological and physical devastation inflicted, mastectomy is still elected in 20 to 30 percent of breast cancers. Although initially inciting controversy over heightened risk of local recurrences, recent studies maintain that nipple-sparing mastectomy can be used in any patient qualifying for total mastectomy and also improves aesthetic and psychologic outcomes. The manner in which mastectomy influences reconstructive implant outcomes has been documented by several groups. This report details the authors’ experience performing nipple-sparing mastectomy with immediate implant-based breast reconstruction, focusing attention on patient characteristics and aspects of surgical mastectomy that influence reconstruction outcomes. The aim of the study was to examine various issues, such as surgical access, mode of tissue dissection, and flap thickness, clearly linked to development of complications and poor results. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted, analyzing patients with breast cancer. An external three-surgeon panel served to generate average scores for predefined parameters. Based on total scores, outcomes were designated excellent, good, moderate, or poor. Results: The authors’ cohort included 1647 patients. Overall, 2023 nipple-sparing mastectomies were performed, including bilateral procedures in 376 patients. After a minimum follow-up period of 12 months, the authors’ cohort was stratified by scored outcomes. Significant impact of body mass index, skin incision, flap thickness, and grade of ptosis has been demonstrated. Conclusions: The authors’ data suggest that proper patient selection and well-executed operations are mandatory to limit complications. They also indicate that aesthetic outcome is clearly dependent on surgical proficiency and some patient characteristics. 

Impact of selective use of breast MRI on surgical decision-making in women with newly diagnosed operable breast cancer

Impact of selective use of breast MRI on surgical decision-making in women with newly diagnosed operable breast cancer
Brennan, Meagan E. et al.
The Breast , Volume 32 , 135 - 143

This study evaluated the impact of breast MRI on surgical planning in selected cases of breast malignancy (invasive cancer or DCIS). MRI was used when there was ambiguity on clinical and/or conventional imaging assessment.

An Oncoplastic Breast Augmentation Technique for Immediate Partial Breast Reconstruction following Breast Conservation

An Oncoplastic Breast Augmentation Technique for Immediate Partial Breast Reconstruction following Breast Conservation
Barnea, Y et al
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery:February 2017 - Volume 139 - Issue 2 - p 348e–357e

Background: Patients with a small breast volume and a relative large lumpectomy volume are at risk of developing severe breast deformity and asymmetry following breast conservation, presenting a unique surgical challenge. Methods: A series of patients undergoing immediate reconstruction by means of an oncoplastic breast augmentation technique following breast conservation are described. The technique includes local tissue rearrangement and bilateral subpectoral breast augmentation with implants of different sizes and shapes, immediately after lumpectomy for a malignant tumor. Results: Twenty-one consecutive patients underwent the oncoplastic breast augmentation technique (mean follow-up, 23 months; range, 12 to 48 months). Three patients (14.3 percent) had tumor-positive surgical margins. Postoperative complications included grade III/IV capsular contracture in five patients (23.8 percent) and breast infection in two patients (10 percent). All patients received postoperative radiation therapy. The cosmetic outcome was evaluated at least 6 months after radiation therapy, and it was favorable according to the reported high patient satisfaction (81 percent) and independent observers’ evaluation scores (76 percent). Conclusions: The oncoplastic breast augmentation technique described in this article is an acceptable option in small-breasted patients with a relatively large lumpectomy volume who elect to undergo breast conservation. This technique allows conservation of the affected breast and minimizes potential breast deformation and asymmetry following radiation therapy.

The Evolution of Surgical Simulation: The Current State and Future Avenues for Plastic Surgery Education

The Evolution of Surgical Simulation: The Current State and Future Avenues for Plastic Surgery Education
Kazan, R et al
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery:February 2017 - Volume 139 - Issue 2 - p 533e–543e

Summary: Alongside the ongoing evolution of surgical training toward a competency-based paradigm has come the need to reevaluate the role of surgical simulation in residency. Simulators offer the ability for trainees to acquire specific skills and for educators to objectively assess the progressive development of these skills. In this article, the authors discuss the historical evolution of surgical simulation, with a particular focus on its past and present role in plastic surgery education. The authors also discuss the future steps required to further advance plastic surgery simulation in an effort to continue to train highly competent plastic surgery graduates.

Why Some Mastectomy Patients Opt to Undergo Delayed Breast Reconstruction: Results of a Long-Term Prospective Study

Why Some Mastectomy Patients Opt to Undergo Delayed Breast Reconstruction: Results of a Long-Term Prospective Study
Metcalfe, K A.et al
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery: February 2017 - Volume 139 - Issue 2 - p 267–275

Background: Delayed breast reconstruction is an option for women who have undergone mastectomy; however, uptake is low. The purpose of this study was to identify premastectomy and postmastectomy demographic, clinical, and psychosocial predictors of uptake of delayed breast reconstruction in the long-term survivorship period. 
Methods: This was a prospective longitudinal survey study of mastectomy patients in which a repeated measures design was used to evaluate uptake of delayed breast reconstruction. Demographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables were collected before mastectomy and 1 year after mastectomy. Information regarding uptake of delayed breast reconstruction was collected at approximately 6 years after mastectomy. A predictive model was designed using a multivariate logistic regression model and Akiake information criterion stepwise algorithm. 
Results: Ninety-six mastectomy patients were followed from before mastectomy to 75.2 months after mastectomy, and 35 women (36.5 percent) underwent delayed breast reconstruction. Women who elected for delayed breast reconstruction experienced worsening of body concerns from before mastectomy to 1 year after mastectomy, compared with women who did not elect to undergo delayed breast reconstruction (p = 0.03). Mean scores for psychological distress were significantly worse both before mastectomy and 1 year after mastectomy in women who went on to undergo delayed breast reconstruction compared with those who did not undergo delayed breast reconstruction (p = 0.034 and p = 0.022, respectively). A predictive model for the uptake of delayed breast reconstruction was developed using demographic, clinical, and psychosocial characteristics. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 85 percent, indicating good precision. Conclusions: Women who are experiencing higher levels of distress, anxiety, and body concerns both before and after mastectomy appear to be significantly likely to select delayed breast reconstruction. This may have implications for postreconstruction satisfaction and psychosocial functioning.

An exploration of Australian psychologists' role in assessing women considering risk-reducing or contralateral prophylactic mastectomy

An exploration of Australian psychologists' role in assessing women considering risk-reducing or contralateral prophylactic mastectomy
Braude, Lucy et al.
The Breast , Volume 32 , 105 - 111

Given increasing rates of risk-reducing mastectomies (RRM) and contralateral prophylactic mastectomies (CPM), and the potentially significant psychological sequelae of this irreversible procedure, health professionals (HPs) regularly refer patients to psychologists for pre-operative assessment and support. This is the first study to provide qualitative insights from HPs into the role of psychologists who are working with women considering RRM or CPM.

Evidence-Based Medicine: Autologous Breast Reconstruction

Evidence-Based Medicine: Autologous Breast Reconstruction
Macadam, SA et al
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery:January 2017 - Volume 139 - Issue 1 - p 204e–229e

Learning Objectives: After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Gain an understanding of the different methods of autologous reconstruction available. 2. Understand the timing of autologous breast reconstruction and the impact of adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatments. 3 Understand the factors necessary for a comprehensive patient assessment. 4. Gain knowledge of patient factors that will affect autologous reconstruction and potential contraindications. 5. Summarize the patient-reported and clinical outcomes of autologous breast reconstruction. Summary: This article was prepared to accompany practice-based assessment with ongoing surgical education for the Maintenance of Certification for the American Board of Plastic Surgery. It is structured to outline the care of the patient with the postmastectomy breast deformity.